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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Washington County
Elevation across Washington County averages about 932 feet. The county falls within the Wisconsin and Minnesota Thin Loess and Till (MLRA 90A) land resource region.
The growing season in Washington County spans roughly 214 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 33.0 inches per year. January lows average around 6°F while July highs reach about 82°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 525 farms in Washington County, operating across 50,806 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 97 acres. Top commodities include corn, soybeans, and milk.
Quick Facts
| Region | East Central Minnesota |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Vegetables, Soybeans, Fruit & tree nuts, Dairy, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Extreme Drought (D3). LFP-eligible for 4+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Washington County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
430 3rd Street; Suite 250, Farmington, MN 55024
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Forage and Grazing in Washington County
The forage year in Washington County runs from green-up in April to peak growth in August (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 4,894 acres of pastureland and 1,137 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Washington County
About 27% of Washington County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 52% of farms are small and 3% are large, so ranking pools and program fit vary a good deal across the county. The average farm runs 97 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Washington County
Given the operation mix in Washington County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations; waste storage, nutrient management, and Dairy Margin Coverage for dairies; and cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Washington County Operations
Based on Washington County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs emphasize urban-edge farming practices and water quality protection for the St. Croix River watershed. Programs support beginning farmers and specialty crop producers serving the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Washington County: Anoka County, Minnesota, Chisago County, Minnesota, Dakota County, Minnesota, Ramsey County, Minnesota, Pierce County, Wisconsin, and Polk County, Wisconsin. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Washington County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Minnesota guide: Minnesota Farm Programs Guide
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